Alex studies me. “Still haunted by the family track record?”
“My parents. My grandparents. Every disaster story except one aunt and uncle. Marriage ruins people.”
“That’s not marriage,” Mark says. “That’s bad communication.”
“Tell that to my childhood.”
Alex stands, clapping me on the shoulder. “You’re already in trouble.”
“I’m not.”
“You are,” he says calmly. “Because she doesn’t want you for what you can give her. She wants you because you don’t know how to give her what she actually wants.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
Mark heads for the door. “First comes the fun. Then comes the fall. Then comes the denial.”
“And the proposal?” Alex adds.
“Never,” I say.
Mark gets the last word in. "I swear to God, watching you avoid your feelings is exhausting.”
They laugh as they leave, the sound echoing far too long in the suddenly quiet office.
I glance down at my desk.
The retirement folder is still there.
Mrs. Fielding.
I exhale slowly, then pick up my phone and type a note to Jamie.
Retirement party — confirm details.
I stare at the message before sending it.
For the first time in a long time, I realize something I’m not sure I like.
Audra Sullivan didn’t just walk out of my office.
Jesus Christ.
She took control of the room with her.
Chapter Three
AUDRA
By midafternoon,I’ve already had one too many cups of bad coffee.
HR’s break room brew is borderline criminal, and I’ve learned that if I want something drinkable, the executive floor is worth the walk. Fewer people. Better beans. Less regret.
I’m halfway through pouring my cup when Jamie appears in the doorway, tablet tucked under her arm like she’s just stepping in for a routine refill.
She doesn’t say anything at first. Just shuts the door behind her.
That’s when I know.
